While loose ends and handovers might pile up on your final stretch, a quick farewell email to colleagues and managers goes a long way, especially in maintaining your network in the industry. It’s a social courtesy and also a smooth transition for your replacement. Continue reading and write your email within minutes!
In this article:
6 Tips To Craft A Farewell Email To Coworkers
1. Decide The Recipient
Who you will send the message to will set the tone for the email. Sending a friendly, funny note to your boss sounds as out of place as sending a formal email to your close-knit colleagues.
Knowing your recipient well also helps you craft a clear subject line. Your coworkers and managers are bombarded with dozens of emails every day, so a tailored subject line can cut to the chase and make your personal message stand out. Below are some examples you can consider:
- Goodbye and thank you
- A sincere farewell
- My last day
- Let’s keep in touch
- Thanks for everything/ thank you
- My contact info
- Moving on
- Until we meet again
- Saying goodbye is never easy
2. The Timing
A rule of thumb is to send your farewell note after submitting your two-week notice and before your last day. Since everyone in the company is aware of your departure, your message will not come as a surprise to them.
While sending the email on your final day is still possible, I don’t recommend doing so. This goodbye message is also a chance to discuss any loose ends or transition details with your colleagues. So, you will want to leave them ample time to organize their workload and respond to you before your final day.
3. Keep It Clear And Concise
While you might have a lot of feelings to share, it’s best to keep the email short and sweet. You should only mention your leaving date, what you’ve learned and grown, your achievements, and a shared experience with the recipient. Also, express your gratitude, briefly discuss unfinished tasks, if any, and conclude with your best wishes.
If the recipient is your close coworker or ally at work, an intimate farewell meeting might be a better place to share your in-depth thoughts before leaving.
4. Be Positive & Don’t Forget To Say Thank
There is no room for negative complaints or remarks in this goodbye email. Even when you are unsatisfied with the company and feel comfortable spilling the tea with your coworkers, try to maintain a professional manner and leave a good impression.
Additionally, the main point of this email is to show your gratitude and say goodbye, so remember to keep your note on the right track. A grateful message will nurture your relationships with colleagues who might help you someday.
5. Personalize Each Email
Some of you might choose to send a general email to all the colleagues and managers in the company to save time. But trust me, a little effort goes a long way. Tailoring each message to the recipient makes them feel more valued and appreciated.
An effective way to add personal touches is to mention some memories with the recipient, like a project you two worked on together, a shared experience, or a lesson you learned from them. Even better, try cracking an inside joke to put a smile on their face.
6. Say You Want To Keep In Touch
Whether you build a rapport or a strained relationship with your colleagues, it’s a wise move to show your interest in keeping in touch with them. Believe me, a strong professional network can be beneficial as you advance in your career.
After expressing your gratitude, you can include your personal contact information, such as your phone number and professional social media profiles. You can also offer to exchange contact details for future communication.
8 Goodbye Email Templates To Send On Your Last Day
1. Last-Day Email For Close Colleagues
Hi [the recipient’s name],
As I’ve shared earlier, I am about to leave [the company’s name], and my last day is [your leaving date].
Before I head out, I really want to thank you for all the good things you’ve done for me. You’ve made my career journey at [the company’s name] more memorable and meaningful. Words can’t say enough how grateful I am to have such an amazing teammate and friend like you.
I’ll always remember those coffee pick-me-ups you gave me to chase away my afternoon drowsiness. And I really appreciate you having my back when the [a project, a plan, etc.] went south.
Though I will soon start my job at a new company, I believe our friendship will live on. You have my number, right? Don’t hesitate to call me or shoot me a message whenever you want to grab [a coffee, lunch, a drink, etc.].
Thanks again for everything, and I’m looking forward to seeing you in the future.
Best wishes,
[Your name]
2. Departure Email For Not-Too-Close Coworkers
Hi [the recipient’s name],
As you might have heard about my departure, I will no longer be [your position] at [the company’s name]. My final day at work will be on [your last date].
Before I take the next step in my career path, I want to sincerely thank you for all the experiences we had together. It’s my pleasure to work with a talented and supportive colleague like you.
Your work ethic, passion, and punctuality [or something you admire] really inspired me a lot. I appreciate the learning opportunities you provided while working with me here.
I hope we can stay in touch even when I am not part of the company anymore. You can call me at [your number] or message me via my [your Facebook, LinkedIn, or other social media accounts].
Thanks again for everything, and I wish you all the best.
Kind regards,
[Your name]
3. Email For Your Manager/Supervisor Before Leaving
Dear [your manager/supervisor’s name],
As you may know from my two-week notice, I will be transitioning out of my role as [your position] at [your company]. I will have to say farewell on [your last date].
Before my last day, I want to express my genuine gratitude for your support and guidance during my time here. Your valuable advice and experiences have greatly contributed to my personal and professional growth in the field, which equipped me with a solid foundation as I advance in my career.
You’ve taught me [mention something that you learned from your manager/supervisor]. Your leadership has helped me grow into a more mature individual, both in work and in life.
Even though my chapter with [the company’s name] is about to close, I’d appreciate it if we could keep in touch. Don’t hesitate to reach me at [your phone number] or connect me on [your LinkedIn/Facebook profile].
Once again, thank you for all you’ve done for me. I wish you and the team continued success in [the company’s name].
Sincerely,
[Your name]
4. Email For Your Direct Reports
Note: Even when you are already a manager or a supervisor, it’s still advisable to send your direct reports a friendly goodbye message. Don’t forget to announce your departure in person or via an online meeting in advance.
Hi [the recipient’s name or team],
As you all may already know, I will be wrapping up my time at [the company’s name] on [your last date]. It’s been a pleasure working alongside you.
I’ve especially enjoyed our weekly meetings and brainstorming sessions – your creative ideas have been a real inspiration! I have no doubt you’ll continue to be a valuable asset to the company.
Even though I’ll be moving on, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever need any help. You can find me at [phone number] or [personal email address]. I’d also love to catch up for coffee sometime!
Wishing all the best,
[Your name]
5. Goodbye Email For A Senior Coworker
Dear [the recipient’s name],
As you may already know, I will be stepping down from my position as [your position] at [the company’s name]. My last day will be on [your last date].
Before I open a new chapter in my career, I want to let you know how much I enjoyed working with you. I really appreciated our collaboration on [a project you two have worked together or a shared experience]. It has taught me a lot about how to [a skill you’ve learned]. Your valuable experience and admirable expertise have further fueled my passion to advance in this field.
Thank you so much for everything. I hope our paths will cross in the future. If you’d like to reach out to me, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [phone number] or [personal email address].
Warmest regards,
[Your name]
6. Farewell Letter For Your Team
Dear [your team, e.g., marketing team, sales team, etc.],
It’s hard to believe that my last day at [the company’s name] will be on [your last date]. It’s my honor to be a part of such a wonderful and supportive team. My time here was full of great experiences and learnings.
I remember all the times when we worked overtime to finish our deadlines on time and when we threw parties after a successful project. Each of you has become an integral and unforgettable part in my journey of career at the company. Thank you all of you for being so friendly, thoughtful, and supportive to me.
I believe there is no ending to our relationship, even when I move on to the next step of my career. I’d love it if we could stay in touch and catch up for a coffee later. Feel free to reach me at [phone number], [email], or [LinkedIn/Facebook profile].
Again, thanks everyone for such a great time.
Wishing all the best,
[Your name]
7. Goodbye Email For A Client
Dear [the client or company’s name],
I am writing to inform you that I will be stepping down from my position as [your position] at [your company’s name], which is effective on [your last date]. It’s my honor to work with you/your company on the campaign/project at [a specific time].
My replacement will contact you soon and take over my duties, ensuring everything is as smooth sailing as before. Over the next two weeks, I will assist my replacement in the transition and completing any ongoing projects. So, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [your phone number] or [your email] if there are any remaining loose ends you need me to handle.
Wishing you all the best,
[Your name]
8. A General Email For Anyone You Might Know In The Company
Note: The recipient could be a coworker that you’ve had a coffee with, the receptionist, the guard, the cleaner,or anyone in the company.
Hello [the recipient’s name],
I am writing this to tell you that I’ll be moving on from my role as [your position] at [the company’s name]. My final day here will be on [your last date].
I am really happy to know you through [explain how you two met]. Our interactions and smiles have made my days at [the company’s name] brighter and more memorable.
While I will be saying farewell to the company, I hope we can stay in touch. You can reach out to me at [phone number] or [email].
Thank you for everything. I wish you a lot of success at [company’s name].
Warmest regards,
[Your name]
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Conclusion
With my templates, I believe you can write an impactful goodbye message in 10 minutes. Such a thoughtful note speaks volumes about your professionalism and gratitude and keeps the door open for future connections with your coworkers. As I always say with my staff at Uni Global Union, wherever your path leads, leave only positive footprints. So, always be positive and professional in your email!
